Predicted England Lineup To Take On France In The International Friendly
Gareth Southgate’s English side only managed a draw against their local rivals Scotland on Saturday. They now take a trip to the Stade de France in Paris, where they face Euro’16 finalists France in an exciting international friendly on Tuesday.
The England manager will not be happy with his team, who left it late to steal a point from the tie. Southgate might be tempted to use a couple of his first team stars to get them back to their best. But he is largely expected to use an experimental lineup, as well as retain some experience, to try and trouble the French side. Here is the predicted lineup Southgate might field for this game.
Probable England XI:
GK – Jack Butland
After a mediocre performance from Joe Hart, Southgate might give Butland a chance to sparkle for the national team, against France.
RB – Kieran Tripper
Kyle Walker had a decent outing against Scotland and he is expected to be given a rest and will be replaced by fellow Spurs full-back Tripper in the absence of Nathaniel Clyne.
CB – Gary Cahill
The Chelsea man has been impeccable at the back for club and country recently and Southgate should stick with him at the back for this tie.
CB – John Stones
Though Chris Smalling had a decent game and Phil Jones is waiting on the sidelines, the manager should look to integrate John Stones into the starting XI for this friendly.
LB – Aaron Creswell
Though Ryan Bertrand remains the first choice for Southgate, he should check West Ham’s Creswell in this tie against France at left-back.
CM – Eric Dier
The Spurs man is expected to be the first choice in this position for years to come and he will be given another chance by Southgate to repay the trust in this crunch encounter.
CM – Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
The Arsenal man was superb after coming on against Scotland and Southgate has a great chance to check if he can partner Dier in the midfield for England.
RW – Raheem Sterling
The Manchester City man got just over 6 minutes in the qualifier but provided the crucial assist that Kane converted to equalise. He should get his chance to play from the start.
CAM – Adam Lallana
The Liverpool man was one of the best players for England in the previous game and they need him in the attack if they are to compete with one of the most exciting teams in Europe.
LW – Jesse Lingard
The Manchester United winger has not got his chance to impress Southgate but he is expected to start this friendly, which will be a chance to establish himself in the national side.
ST – Harry Kane
With Jermain Defoe the only other option, Kane is expected to start this game and should be the skipper for the side.
Here is how England could line up:
